WNBA Finals: Chat with WNBA.com's Matt Wurst

As the 2007 WNBA Finals heat up in Phoenix for an all-important Game 3, the Phoenix Mercury and Detroit Shock will not be the only ones putting on a show for your entertainment on Tuesday night, Sept. 9.

The WNBA's own Matt Wurst will be chatting live with fans throughout the game... answering questions, sharing thoughts and just doing his thing from courtside at the US Airways Arena. Of course, he has been courtside for every second of the WNBA Finals dating back to 2002 and has a regular column on NBA.com.

What is Diana Taurasi like when the cameras are off? Which arena has better brownies, Phoenix or Detroit? Why does Katie Smith have a southern accent when she's really from Ohio? Matt is ready to handle whatever you toss his way.

So get ready for a full dose of WNBA action on Tuesday. Get your computers and your televisions fired up and ready to go at 9 p.m. ET (6 p.m. PT) as Game 3 will be shown on ESPN2 and Matt Wurst will be talking with you as soon as things get underway!

Moderator

(8:49 PM)

We're about 15 minutes from game-time and Matt Wurst is warming up his favorite typing fingers so send in your questions. Tonight is Adam Hirshfield's turn to blog, so be sure to check that out as well on WNBA.com.

Matt Wurst

(8:59 PM)

Actually, Mr. Moderator, if it's okay with you, I'd like to start early. I'm here. You're here. They're here. Let's roll. and if you'd like to take the next three hours off, I'm all set. Let's get it started...

josefina, marietta georgia

if Phoenix wins tonight, does the shock have any chance in game four? i think it will be hard to win that game on the road an elimination game like that.

Matt Wurst

(9:01 PM)

Thanks for getting us started, Josefina. Great question. The fans in Phoenix are amazing and the Mercury play well here. Not to mention that if the Mercury do win tonight, it means that the Shock will still be winless on the road in the playoffs. But... Detroit lost Game 3 in Sacramento last season and rallied to win 4 and 5 en route to the title. So can it be done? Yes. Will it be hard. Still yes. But closing out series is a tough challenge that inexperienced playoff teams often struggle with.

Jeanette (Jasper, IA)

Who is the best WNBA player to not win a championship?

Matt Wurst

(9:06 PM)

Well, I always have trouble with words like "best" and "greatest, " but we'll go with a safe answer and say that the WNBA All-Decade players who have not won WNBA championships fall into that category. Tamika Catchings, Dawn Staley.

Brie (Charleston, SC)

What is Diana Taurasi really like off the court?

Matt Wurst

(9:08 PM)

One of the funniest people I have ever met or had the pleasure of knowing. Whether at practice, after a game or just out to dinner, Diana is always saying something witty ot doing something to make you laugh. She's also smart and knows a lot about a lot. Or at least she thinks she does.

Ryan F. (Tiburon, CA)

Forget Paul Westhead, what kind of leather shoes are you wearing?

Matt Wurst

(9:09 PM)

I'm wearing my league-issued Adidas kicks just like everyone else who doesn't have a sneaker deal.

Sarah (Florida

Hey Matt, do you think that if maybe the media stopped asking Katie Smith about her shooting slump, then maybe she would relax a bit and forget about it? It has been a career-worst shooting season for her, but until Bill sat his starters for 4 games, she was on WNBA.com's MVP list.

Matt Wurst

(9:11 PM)

Whether the media asks her about it or not, I promise you that Katie Smith is aware of her struggles. It's not about relaxing, it's about shooting her way through it. It may not happen before this season ends, but it will happen.

Ms. Jordan (Detroit, MI)

Too much talking by ESPN...just get the game going!!

Matt Wurst

(9:13 PM)

Oh it's going now, Ms. Jordan. And Penny Taylor has the Mercury on the board. Unfortunately we're not near enough that we can hear what they're saying, but I bet Geno and Doris are right on with whatever it is.

Melissa, Jewett City, CT

What's your favorite WNBA arena to visit?

Matt Wurst

(9:14 PM)

Well, I like New York because it's about two blocks from my home. But as far as visiting, I think that Phoenix, Seattle and Connecticut may be my favorite. Of course, the brownies in Detroit are unsurpassed by any arena in the WNBA or NBA.

Andre (Las Vegas, Nevada)

What will the WNBA do to make season longer, because it is one of the most competitive sport and I really like the way the ladies go after it

Matt Wurst

(9:17 PM)

I know that the owners, coaches and players as well as the league personnel will meet in early October to discuss the future of the sport and what we can all do to make it better. Schedule timing and length as well as a littany of other issues woll be raised. I personally would like to substitutions on the fly, like in hockey, as well half-court shots being worth five points. Imagine Diana Taurasi pullin gup for five. I can actually see it happening.

Yo (Birmingham, MI)

Good to see the Shock shooting better tonight.

Matt Wurst

(9:19 PM)

The Shock are already 5-for-11 from the floor, though the Mercury are actually shooting 50% themselves.

Matt Wurst

(9:19 PM)

Make that 5-for-12 for the Shock.

Kelly (New York, NY)

If you could make up your starting five, which players will make up this five?

Matt Wurst

(9:22 PM)

Starting five WNBA at this point... Jackson, Thompson, Catchings, Taurasi and Bird. That's a team I'd watch. And maybe even hide my league credentials and even buy tickets to see.

Becky (Hawaii)

Man I love this Detroit Shock team, the WNBA should give them more money for there style of play!!

Matt Wurst

(9:23 PM)

Agreed. There isn't enough money going around in general in the WNBA. That will change as the league grows, more fans watch on television and in the arenas and even more sponsors hop on board.

dalvin skinner (patterson,louisiana)

what do detroit have to do to win in phoenix because phoenix haven't lost in their building yet in the playoffs

Matt Wurst

(9:24 PM)

Keep scoring. They're getting good shots inside. That's how they won Game 1.

Lew A. LA, California

Why doesn't Plenette Pierson start?

Matt Wurst

(9:29 PM)

There is a short answer and a long answer to this. The short of it is that they don't need her to. The long answer is that the Shock thrive off of her energy coming from the bench. Every team has a Sixth Man that they look to for that lift and to change things up. She still gets her points and her chances and often ends up playing more minutes than starters. It's not who is in the game for the tip, but who is in the game in the crunch time, and Plenette gets those minutes.

Katie (Orange County, CA)

How is the crowd in comparison to the Detroit crowd this past Sat?

Matt Wurst

(9:31 PM)

Just as loud at the start, though the Shock crowd was taken out of it early due to the Mercury's hot shooting in the second quarter. The Mercury find themselves down seven late in the first quarter, but these fans are not going quietly. This is their team's first Finals apperance since 1998 and they have a lot of bottled-up energy looking to be unleashed. I have ear plugs in my bag just in case.

Jay, Wareham MA

What's gotten into Katie Smith so far in the first quarter tonight? She's really looking for her shot and 3 have fallen so far!

Matt Wurst

(9:34 PM)

That's what future Hall-of-Famers do. They rise to the occasion. Before the game, Smith was loose with her coaches and joking around with me.

Mike (Hershey, PA)

Matt Wurst

(9:35 PM)

What kind of question is that? Figures that would come from someone in Pennsylvania. Just kidding, I actually went to college in PA. The real answer is that we're just getting started and no one has riled me up yet. Until now. Nice going, Mike.

Jerrie Clarkston,Michigan Home of the back to back WNBA Champion

How is Katie Feenstra doing?

Matt Wurst

(9:37 PM)

She has one basket but I haven't noticed much else out of her. Actually, now that you mention it, she just shoved Penny Taylor off the block and no foul was called.

Matt B (NJ)

tell Phoenix the game started a half hour ago

Matt Wurst

(9:39 PM)

I just slipped Cappie a post-it with your note and she just drove and drew the foul. That's the aggressive Cappie we know and love.

Terrell Owens

Will the WNBA be publishing a calendar this year?

Matt Wurst

(9:40 PM)

Yes, look for the "Men of WNBA.com" calendar coming out sometime next year. All I'll say is that April is going to be a good month for Adam Hirshfield.

Andrea (Italy)

Matt Wurst, you are the best over there at wnba.com..the column "Read Between The Lines" is my favorite feature..you should write it every day, not only once a week :)..Shock in 5!

Matt Wurst

(9:42 PM)

Thanks, Andrea. I just forwarded this to my boss. You are my favorite chat poster in Italy, too! As for writing more, it's tough because of all the editing of Sue and Diana's blogs that I have to do. They're not good spellers.

Jay, Wareham MA

Do you think the small lineup from the Shock will be continue to be featured as the primary lineup or will Laimbeer use it on a situational basis throughout the game?

Matt Wurst

(9:44 PM)

Starting Elaine Powell was definitely a surprising move, but the small lineup has been working well so far. That said, the rotation will likely continue to vary as the game and the Mercury lineup changes. Games are exercises in adjustments. Teams jab and counterpunch, reacting to each other... whether they want to admit that the other team has any impact on what they do or not.

Charles (New York, NY)

What do you think of Laimbeer's decision to start Elaine Powell?

Matt Wurst

(9:47 PM)

Elaine Powell is a tough, smart veteran who has been a part of two previous championship teams. She hasn't played much since starting, but we're seeing all nine players in the rotation get decent minutes so far. Meanwhile, the Mercury can't be happy with their shooting (34.6%).

Joe (UK)

Hi Matt, Does Phoenix have a deep enough bench to take this series? Do they need their bench?

Matt Wurst

(9:50 PM)

(...laughing at the great timing of this question as Kelly Mazzante hits a 3). Between Mazzante, Snell and Schumacher, this team gets good minutes from their reserves. That said, would you want to take out Taylor, Pondexter or Taurasi if you were coaching Phoenix?

CJ Casuto

Why does Bill keep pulling Swin Cash. It looks like they are not getting along or something

Matt Wurst

(9:52 PM)

I don't think that's the case at all. The Shock just go nine deep. Bill knows he can't win without Swin and that's why she's the captain. And speak of the devil, Swin just nailed back-to-back jumpers.

Javier (Phoenix, Arizona)

Hopefully the Suns are taking notes tonight on how to win a championship.

Matt Wurst

(9:54 PM)

I'm not sure, but Suns coach Mike D'Antoni is sitting courtside. I don't see a notebook or a clipboard, but maybe he's taking mental notes.

Melissa: Jewett City, CT

Can DET keep up this momentum? They're doing great in comparison to game 2!

Matt Wurst

(9:56 PM)

Detroit is scoring at the Mercury's pace, just like they did in Game 1. They need to keep attacking and taking smart shots and keep up the intensity on the defensive end. And stop Tangela Smith.

Jay, Wareham MA

I know Phoenix has just hit 2 threes, but do you think that, despite their preference for taking the three, they are actually FORCING the shot?

Matt Wurst

(10:00 PM)

Not at all. Yes, they were 2-for-15 from 3 in that half, and the Mercury are only down five. They're not going to shoot that poorly in the second half. They'll just keep shooting, keep running and keep moving.

Maima, Billings, MT

What's going on at halftime? Anything good?

Matt Wurst

(10:05 PM)

Actually, recording artist and 1990's dance party staple CeCe Peniston is rocking out the building with her classic hits "We Got Love" and "Finally." If I wasn't typing right now, I'd be dancing. Actually, I am going to get up and groove right now. Give me :30 seconds....

Joe (UK)

Phoenix haven't played well but they're down only 5. Detroit have played well but lead only by 5. Who is the happier coach at the half?

Matt Wurst

(10:11 PM)

Have you ever met a happy coach? The Shock shot 50% from the floor that half and got 11 points from Shannon Johnson. But the Mercury aren't shooting well at all and are down five, as you so aptly noted.

marcia, chicago, IL

who do you think will win tonight.

Matt Wurst

(10:13 PM)

Detroit.

Jasmine (Phoenix, AZ)

Seriously? You're going to say that in our building.

Matt Wurst

(10:13 PM)

Okay, Phoenix.

Adriana (Mexico City)

Hi, Matt do you think the Phoenix Mercury is ready to become champion? Or do they still look kind of green to you?

Matt Wurst

(10:16 PM)

Diana Taurasi and Penny Taylor have won major championships on big stages. They can win. They just need to shoot better in the second half. Y muchas gracias por su pregunta. Su pais es muy bonita y pase muchas vacaciones in Mexico.

marcia, chicago, IL

I am a huge wnba fan and i was so excited about the wnba finally making it to my wonderful town. what do you think about the sky and a furture in the wnba.

Matt Wurst

(10:17 PM)

Love the Sky, love Bo Overton, love Candice Dupree, love Armintie Price. Your team is one or two players away from being a legit playoff contender and I expect to be at Finals games there in the next few years.

katy (rochester, NY)

when will taurasi wear her ponytail that sue bird asked her to wear???

Matt Wurst

(10:18 PM)

That is a tremendous question. I'm going to remind her of that promise after the game. Then again, she also promised to buy me dinner at some point this week and that hasn't happened yet.

Jay, Wareham MA

Matt, Don't be so wishy washy on your pick to win tonight. Go with your first choice, Detroit.

Matt Wurst

(10:20 PM)

Ok, fine. Detroit will win.

Kori in Tempe

Don't you think the Mercury will win?

Matt Wurst

(10:21 PM)

Actually, I do.

Amy, Rochester Hills, Michigan

Do you think Swin's injury is affecting her play tonight?

Matt Wurst

(10:23 PM)

Not really. She's taking good shots and playing well. And just as I type that, she hits another J.

Jay, Wareham MA

Are Feenstra and Braxton going to make more of a contribution tonight or is it going to be another case of inconsistency?

Matt Wurst

(10:24 PM)

Not looking like that's the case at the moment. Feenstra has six but Braxton has been held scoreless to this point.

Melissa, Jewett City, CT

Are there any teams that you're suprised did not make it further in the playoffs? CT or NY, for instance?

Matt Wurst

(10:28 PM)

Actually, every higher-seeded team has won in the postseason thus far. Detroit beat New York, Indiana beat CT, then Detroit beat Indiana. Phoenix beat Seattle, San Antonio beat Sacramento and then Phoenix beat San Antonio. The two best teams are here in the Finals, so to say that I'm surprised others didn't make it here or further would be false. If anything, I was just surprised that Washington didn't make it, but New York pushed Detroit to the brink.

Sarah

Surely we won't hear Mercury fans and players question foul calls and free throws opportunities tonight right? They're getting every chance to take the lead with the fouls and free throws tonight.

Matt Wurst

(10:30 PM)

Once again, I think this game is being called well. 13 fouls to 11. No fans will ever think they're getting a fair shake no matter the sport.

Krisanna from NYC

will westhead be leaving after this season?

Matt Wurst

(10:31 PM)

He hasn't consulted with me, but I hope he stays.

Jay, Wareham MA

Right now it looks like Detroit is starting to fall off in the execution of their offensive sets. Meanwhile Phoenix is crawling closer and closer. Even when they miss, Detroit is not capitalizing.

Matt Wurst

(10:34 PM)

Jay, you sound like a coach. I've learned to always listen to the coach, so I agree.

Agree with Sarah

How long does Phx stay in middle and no 3 seconds is called on them...wow..WNBA is predictable!!

Matt Wurst

(10:36 PM)

I actually disagree. They Mercury don't hold the ball long enough for three second calls whereas the Shock settle in their half-court offense. Ever since Bill Laimbeer started lobbying for those calls in the Indiana series, I've been keeping count and his team gets away with it more than the opponent.

KS from NY

how many MPH does kelly miller goes at when she runs down full speed?

Matt Wurst

(10:37 PM)

8.6 mph.

Melissa: Jewett City, CT

Thank god for Katie Smith, she's having a good night and helping re-establish Detroit's lead.

Matt Wurst

(10:38 PM)

I thank God every day for Katie Smith.

Sarah

I have to say Matt, you are hysterical. Someone sign this guy up for a tv show!

Matt Wurst

(10:42 PM)

How about this for a reality show... me, Loree Moore, Taj McWilliams-Franklin, Coco Miller and Coach Dan Hughes get an apartment in the offseason and have cameras follow our every move. Real World: WNBA!

Sal the Girl (AZ)

How was the introduction, in comparison to Detroit introductions at the Palace (with the fire?)

Matt Wurst

(10:43 PM)

I no longer have any eyebrows.

Melissa: Jewett City, CT

Do you have any favorite WNBA teams? Or are you unbiased?

Matt Wurst

(10:44 PM)

Of course I have favorite teams, but I'll never tell. Unless you bribe me with cake.

Sue, Detroit

Phoenix is getting weak calls. Detroit need to get knock on the floor before they get a call. What's that about?

Matt Wurst

(10:45 PM)

Style of play.

Melissa: Jewett City, CT

Was Diana's last shot just amazingly impossible or what? I can't believe that went in!

Matt Wurst

(10:47 PM)

I actually liked the rebound and foul on the attempt better.

Melissa: Jewett City, CT

Ha Well sure but I posted that comment before that even happened. But DT's making some incredible plays tonight!

Diana (FL)

Detroit got a call!

Matt Wurst

(10:50 PM)

On average, I'd say they get about 50% of them. But that's just a rough estimate.

Billy (Pittsburgh, PA)

Cappie Pondexter always seems to find her way to the free throw line, she loves the bank shot on the left side of the court, and she is a great finisher. She reminds me of Cynthia Cooper. Your thoughts?

Matt Wurst

(10:53 PM)

I hate making comparisons to Cynthia - it's like all of the Michael Jordan comparisons over the years. Cappie is amazing and I love her, but she's got a long way to go to draw that comparison. I know that's not what you meant, but I'll indulge you. She gets to the basket as well as anyone, but her jumper isn't there yet. Defensively, Cappie is also not as strong yet, but she's only in her second season. We saw Coop at the tail end of her prime.

Melissa: Jewett City, CT

Matt Wurst

(10:56 PM)

Sarah (Los Altos, CA)

This would be a great way for Katie Smith to retire. After losing in the Finals, while playing great.

Matt Wurst

(11:02 PM)

Don't use the R word around these parts, please.

Jay, Wareham MA

WOW! Five offensive chances on one possession for the Mercury, but no score. Did Detroit just dodge a bullet on that or what?

Matt Wurst

(11:04 PM)

I think they might have. Missing inside in the fourth quarter is not the way to win basketball games in the Finals.

Victoria, Hope, AK

Two points game with two to go. I don't care how they got here, this is why I watch basketball.

Matt Wurst

(11:07 PM)

Agreed. But Deanna Nolan just hit a huge shot. Great to see the best players take over with the game on the line, isn't it? Tweety Nolan makes big shots, people.

Joe (UK)

Phoenix hasn't been able to get out and run much this quarter. Is that a bad sign down the stretch?

Matt Wurst

(11:08 PM)

Nope, and they're missing a lot of shots. That's also a bad sign for the Mercury down the stretch.

Matt Wurst

(11:12 PM)

Well, friends, I've thoroughly enjoyed chatting with you tonight. It's been a treat. Hope you enjoyed it as much as I did, not to mention the tremendous game played on the court (which I probably only saw 3/4 of thanks to all of the questions that came in. Keep up your good work and we'll see you at Game 4.